fun – make the people like you because you
are respectful, funny, clever, personable, easy to
work with, and, oh yeah – a good dancer!
Hotel and boat shows can be completely
different than nightclub shows (where the
audience is 95% male, and most of the females
inside (who are not coming in with guests)
are actually taking a cut from the club to sit
there and look pretty and to get the guests to
throw money on them or the dancers.) Most
hotel venues and Nile Cruise Boats cater to
families and tourists, so the show times are
usually during or after dinner. In these venues,
in addition to the regular show (which usually
consists of two sets, with costume change in
between; ranging from 30 minutes to 1 hour)
the dancers can expect that a lot of people
will want to get a picture or selfie with them.
Perhaps children will want (or be encouraged
by their parents) to try to dance with the
dancers! In any case, you’ve got to be adaptable,
and roll with the punches. Even though the
dancer may have more control of her playlist
for these shows, there is always the chance that
a VIP guest will request a particular song--and
you and your band are obliged to accommodate
them. Also, especially in the hotels, there can
Vanessa performs during a boat show in Cairo - Photo by Catherine Barros
be birthday parties, so I like to break out my
zills and sing along with the singer! Some of
only the intricacies of the Egyptian style, but have also
the most valuable advice ever given to me was from my
become well respected and have developed a rapport with
first teacher, Miabella. She said to always make the women
the audience, then you can throw in some “wow moments.”
feel included in the show. Always look at them first and
Otherwise, the audience might just think “oh nice. Another
smile. Make them feel welcome, and not threatened. I get to
foreigner trying to belly dance–haha!” ...and we most
practice and apply this advice every day–every show. It has
certainly do NOT want that kind of reaction!
been my golden ticket. Get the women to like you, and you
will work a lot!
What are your goals?
Well, I have reached a few of my goals. Having a group was
For foreigners going to Egypt to work, it is important
great–over 5 years in Sharm El Sheikh, and I’m so glad I
to understand the culture (not necessarily the academic
had that experience! So I can check that one off my list...
history of all things belly dance–although that is helpful
Moving to Cairo was another goal. I’ve been living in Cairo
and you should have a general knowledge of some historical
for just over a year now, and I can see that it is a place where I
highlights.) The most importan t thing is that the public is
can thrive. Sure, there are challenges on a daily basis, but I’m
able to relate to the artist who is performing in front of them.
ready!! My goals are to continue my work in Cairo, become
Egyptians want to see their version of what they think belly
better at speaking Arabic (I can get by, but my Arabic is
dance is, (versus the most flamboyant, athletic, dynamic
broken and my accent comes through sometimes–most
and even amazing spectacle!) After you have mastered not
October 2016
The Belly Dance Chronicles
27